The Detroit Red Wings made a big move this off-season when they signed a new forward. The Red Wings added depth, and that came in the form of J.T. Compher. He joined Detroit on a five-year, $25.5 million contract and has been great in year one.
He's been the Detroit Red Wings second-line center this season and has excelled in this role, getting the job done up the middle for the team. The 28-year-old forward had spent the first seven seasons with the Colorado Avalanche before coming to Detroit in free agency.
It's been great to see Compher gel with his new teammates, find his way, and get into a groove. The Red Wings should be happy with this money they shelled out for Compher. He's been good for Detroit, helping provide depth throughout the forward core beyond just one line at the top of things.
He set a career-high in points last season with the Avalanche and is working to get back there this season. He's on par with his usual performances offensively but has his work cut out to get back to where he was last year. His 53-point season in 2022-23 might be an anomaly.
Detroit Red Wings forward J.T. Compher has been scoring.
Compher has scored in 2023-24 but still has his work cut out to beat his totals from last year. But it should not be a total knock on on Compher because he's been able to benefit the Red Wings' forward core and find ways to produce offensively.
In 2023-24, Compher played 45 games for the Red Wings, scoring 11 goals and adding 18 assists for 29 total points. He's averaging around 19:17 in ice time each night. He could stand to improve in the defensive zone at times, but he has been good overall.
Whether it's a close call in the defensive zone or the ability to put pressure on opposing players, it has helped the Red Wings find ways to get it done. The Red Wings should continue to trust Compher as he has shown flashes of quality play, being great in terms of a two-way game.
The offense is surely attractive, but he has excelled on both ends of the ice. It's been a clean gameplan from Compher, who has thrived in the team's middle-six, mainly as a second-line center.
One of the things that has been an area for improvement was his less-than-desirable play in the defensive zone. He's been able to play the part, but he could improve his advanced metrics with the Red Wings organization and be better.
If Compher can continue to be called upon in various situations on this team, it will allow him to flourish. Compher has four more seasons after this with the Red Wings. There should be hope for the centerman to have success down the stretch with 32 games left on the schedule.